Patrick Shea was born in County Westmeath and since his father was a policeman, he spent his childhood in Athlone, Clones, County Monaghan, Rathfriland and Newry, County Down. He was educated by the Irish Christian Brothers, The Abbey, Newry places, being the son of a policeman. He joined the Northern Ireland civil service and attained the rank of permanent secretary in the Department of Education. He wrote Voices and the Sound of Drums.

Born:	27 April 1908
Died:	31 May 1986